Compositions and methods for localized therapy of the eye

Abstract

Compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for injection into the posterior segments of human or animal eyes are provided. Such compositions include small particles of a poorly soluble therapeutic agent that facilitates formation of concentrated regions of the therapeutic agent in the retinal pigmented epithelium of an eye. The particles are formed by combining a therapeutic agent with an ophthalmically acceptable polymer component. The particles have sizes less than about 3000 nanometers, and in some cases, less than about 200 nanometers. One example of a composition includes particles of triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronic acid have a size less than about 3000 nanometers.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating uveitis or retinitis in the eye of a patient in need thereof, the method comprising injecting into the subconjunctiva of an eye of a patient in need thereof a suspension composition at a frequency of once every about six months on a repeating basis, the suspension composition comprising:
 particles comprising cyclosporine and hyaluronic acid, wherein the particles have an effective average size of less than about 3000 nanometers; 
 the cyclosporine in an amount of about 10% (w/v); 
 hyaluronic acid in an amount in the range of 0.05% (w/v) to 0.5% (w/v); 
 polysorbate 80; and 
 water. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension composition further comprises mannitol.